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like pulling teeth
01
used to refer to something that is inexplicably difficult
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "like pulling teeth" and when to use it?
The idiom "like pulling teeth" is used to describe a task or process that is extremely difficult, frustrating, or slow. The expression draws its metaphorical meaning from the challenging and often painful process of extracting teeth, which requires significant effort, precision, and patience. When something is compared to pulling teeth, it suggests that it is arduous, requires great persistence, or encounters resistance.
Examples
Getting him to answer one simple question was like pulling teeth.
